Criticising different quarters, including the BNP, for making allegations that Bangladesh had lost South Talpatti Island as per the verdict on the maritime boundary dispute, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy said they were trying to mislead the people with lies.
“I request those who are lying about Talpatti Island to go there and launch movement. I think you know how to swim,” Joy, also ICT adviser to the prime minister, said while addressing a seminar at a hotel in the city yesterday.
‘Suchinta Foundation’, an apolitical organisation, organised the seminar titled ‘Spirit of Liberation War, Democracy and Bangladesh’s Future’.
Joy said although Talpatti Island was visible in 1980, the Bangladesh’s map during the period showed that it was not part of Bangladesh.
“It meant that Ziur Rahman gave the island to India,” he said, adding that the island went under water in 90s. “But now it is being used as political weapon.”
He also questioned the basic education of a section of the opposition politicians about the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration that settled the maritime boundary disputes between Bangladesh and India.
“According to the verdict delivered by the court, Bangladesh has got more than 19,000 square kilometres areas when India has got only 6,000 sq km. They cannot understand the difference of achievements between Bangladesh and India,” he said.
Joy also criticised some media for publishing “negative” news about the maritime victory.
About comparison with BNP Vice-chairman Tarique Rahman, he said those who want to compare him with Tarique lack education.
University Grants Commission Chairman AK Azad Chowdhury and economist Dr Abul Bartat also addressed the programme moderated by Suchinta Foundation Executive Director Mohammad A Arafat.